School Visits
 

Presentation

I have to admit I was a trouble maker when I was in grade school (principals still make me nervous).
Even so, I still love visiting schools and talking to students about illustrating books!
My PowerPoint presentation includes samples of how I illustrate a children’s book from initial concept
sketches to the final paintings.  I also share personal stories from my earliest inspirations (teachers), to
becoming an artist, to the joys and challanges of my latest projects.  I talk about where my ideas come from
and show samples of the variety of projects I've worked on as a freelance illustrator.  After my presentation
I will do some drawing demonstrations.  This is a fun, interactive session with the students that I
really enjoy.  I will donate the drawings to the school.
   
Click here to read some nice things people have said about my school visits.
   
 

Session Length

My presentation lasts approximately 40 minutes plus about 10 minutes for answering questions.
It works well to also have 15 minutes after the Q&A to sign books for the students who have
purchased books. It’s nice to be able to personalize the books in front of each student. I can give

up to 4 presentations a day.  My preferred session size is between 40 and 150 students.

   
 

Grade Level

Pre-K through 6th grade.

   

Book Sales

You can order books through your local book store or through my publishers.  The publishers will give

you a nice discount.  Here's the contact information for each publisher:

  The Twelve Days of Christmas in Minnesota call Sterling Publishing at 1-800-367-9692
  Jack’s House contact Holiday House.
   Mama‘s Little Duckling call Penguin at 1-866-206-5865
  Cowboy Sam,  Clementine Sweet, and Davey’s Blue-Eyed Frog call Houghton Mifflin at 1-800-733-2828
  Johnny Appleseed: My Story and My Dad Can do Anything call Random House at 1-800-733-3000
    or for one stop shopping call The Red Balloon Bookshop at 1-888-224-8320

Click here for more information about my books.

   
 

Equipment

 ~ A screen for the PowerPoint presentation.

 ~ A stand or small table for my laptop and projector.

 ~ A larger table (approx. 4' x 4') up front, by the screen, for my easel.
   
 

Suggestions

I've had some absolutely wonderful school visit experiences. Here are a few things that I think make

them successful. Of course these are not all necessary, but I believe they make a difference.

 ~ Familiarize the students with my books before my visit.

 ~ Try not to have different grade levels in a session.  Of course 2nd and 3rd is fine, but maybe

     not 1st and 5th. I try to gear each presentation to the specific grade level.

 ~ Let your students know about my website.  They can see all my books and the many other projects I’ve worked on.

 ~ The room I’ll be presenting in should be one that can get fairly dark for the PowerPoint.  Please try and have all

     sessions in one designated room.  Media Centers are my favorite places to give my presentation.  It’s always great

     to be surrounded by books!
   
 

For fees and schedule please contact me at 612-729-8631 or mwtka@yahoo.com
 
 
I hope to hear from you!
   


Mike in action
 

© 2009 Mike Wohnoutka
 
www.mikewohnoutka.com